Dear Dr. Dave & Dr. Dee, I just turned 50 years old, and in good health with no family history of any cancer, yet my officemates keep razzing me to get a colonoscopy. One of my coworkers had a colonoscopy last year, and from the description of it, I would really rather put this off, if there is a better alternative. What about a virtual colonoscopy? Signed, Reluctant Dear Reluctant, Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths after lung cancer. The good news is that colon cancer is preventable and curable if detected early. The most common risk factor is being age 50 or older because over 90% of the colon cancers are found in this age group. Also, 70% of patients with colon cancer did not have a family history of colon cancer. Currently, virtual colonoscopy or computed tomography (CT) of the colon is not recommended by the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) as a screening option for early detection of colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society considers colonoscopy to be the most accurate method for detecting and preventing colon cancer because the entire colon is examined. A colonoscope (long, flexible, lighted tube) is used to examine the colon for any growths or polyps that are removed during the examination before they become cancerous. The American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines: Beginning at age 50, men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should have 1 of the 5 screening options below: 1. fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year, or 2. flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or 3. FOBT or FIT every year plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or (Of these first 3 options, the combination of FOBT or FIT every year plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years is preferable.) 4. double-contrast barium enema every 5 years, or 5. colonoscopy every 10 years People at higher risk of colon cancer (those with a family history of colon cancer or polyps with cancerous potential) should have a colonoscopy. In addition, those with a higher risk need to be screened earlier and more often. For more information, see www.cancer.org |
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